In the world of automotive history, few vehicles command the reverence and awe of the 1898 Panhard-Levassor Type B1 M4E Voiture de Course. This isn’t just a car—it’s one of the earliest racing machines to ever hit the road. Now, for an asking price of £1,375,000 GBP, collectors and enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to own one of the most significant veteran cars in private hands.
Racing Pedigree Like No Other
The Type B1 M4E represents the pinnacle of late-19th century innovation, a time when France was the undisputed cradle of the automobile. Only 13 cars were built to racing specifications, and this particular model is believed to be the sole survivor. It’s a relic from the dawn of competitive racing, famously participating in the 1898 Paris-Amsterdam-Paris race, where one of its siblings, driven by Fernand Charron, claimed victory after running over 33 hours at an impressive average speed of 26.9 mph.
Modern Technology Ahead of Its Time
For 1898, the Panhard-Levassor Type B1 M4E was nothing short of cutting-edge. Equipped with a 2,143cc Phénix four-cylinder engine that produced 8 horsepower, it pushed the boundaries of what a car could achieve. Boasting then-revolutionary features like pneumatic tires, a finned tube radiator, and even an aluminum gearbox cast by future Bentley piston supplier Maxime Corbin, it exemplified forward-thinking engineering.
Despite its vintage appearance, this car was one of the fastest vehicles of its era, roaring down roads at 1,000 rpm, the maximum possible with its hot tube ignition.
A Well-Documented Provenance
This remarkable vehicle was once owned by Count Bernard de Lassée, former president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA). During his stewardship, the car became a regular feature at prestigious events, including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, where it cemented its status as a formidable competitor, finishing first in 1996, 1997, and 1998. In 1996, it outpaced the rest of the field by a staggering 25 minutes.
After changing hands through several notable collectors and undergoing a meticulous restoration, the car has continued to be a shining example of early automotive engineering. It retains many of its original features, including its aluminum crankcase, uprated ball races, and even the 800mm track of the chassis—details that reveal its racing DNA.
A Rare Opportunity
With the majority of its contemporaries now displayed in national museums, the 1898 Panhard-Levassor Type B1 M4E is truly a one-of-a-kind vehicle. Few, if any, early racing cars with such provenance and performance are left in private ownership. For the fortunate next caretaker, this is more than just a purchase—it’s the acquisition of a legendary artifact that shaped the future of motorsport.
Whether it’s destined for a concours event, a museum, or another triumphant run at London-to-Brighton, the Type B1 M4E offers an exhilarating connection to the roots of automotive performance.
This historic car is available now for £1,375,000 GBP. Don’t miss your chance to own a true masterpiece from the early days of motoring.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
